A FURTHER 18 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Scotland, the First Minister has confirmed.

It means a total of 18,694 cases have now been recorded.

For the 18th day in a row, no additional coronavirus deaths were recorded among those who have contracted the disease.

Yesterday it was confirmed that a cluster had been identified in Aberdeen, with 13 cases confirmed.

Eleven of the new 18 cases are in the Grampian health board area, though it is not yet known whether they are linked to the outbreak.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon condemns 'dangerous' scenes at packed Aberdeen bars

Of the other cases, six were in greater Glasgow and Clyde and one was in Lothian.

Some 265 patients are currently in hospital who have been confirmed as having the virus. That is the same as yesterday.

Of those, three are in intensive care – again meaning there has been no change.

The total number of people to have died after testing positive remains 2491.

Nicola Sturgeon, speaking at the coronavirus briefing, said: “Although we are now reporting fewer deaths on a daily basis, that total reminds us of the impact this virus has had on families across the country. I want again to extend my condolences to everyone who has suffered loss.

“As always, let me thank our health and care workers for the extraordinary work they've done and continue to do."

Addressing the Aberdeen cluster, the First Minister said there may be more than the 13 cases announced on Sunday.

She also thanked the owners of the Hawthorn bar, where the outbreak is believed to have started, and said that work is being done to address the cluster.

Sturgeon added that the outbreak was "exactly what we feared" when the decision was taken to reopen the hospitality industry.

She said that images of people meeting in bars and restaurants with little or no physical distancing "made her want to cry".